Bon-bons.

In Argentina, the ''catcall'' is not a catcall at all, it's a carefully crafted ''compliment'' sometimes shouted, but more often subtly grunted as you pass the kiosk/bus stop/church/grocery store/gym/bar/bathroom/table/subway turnstile/shopping mall. The cheesy pick up line is not a pick up line at all, but a simple way to interact between men and women, of all ages. Not important at all if the lady in question is not even quite a lady yet, or if the male in question could have dated her grandmother.

Hence, a warning if any of you ladies ever take a little trip to Buenos Aires: You will be ''complimented'' often and in a variety of creative ways, by doormen, by taxi drivers, by gentlemen at kiosks, by people on motorcycles and even the colectivero. You may even start to think your real name is ''nena'' (baby) or ''mami'' (momma?) depending on your doorman's preferred terminology.

I have recently struck up a ''friendship'' with one of the doorman in a building near mine. Fortunately (I think?) I pass his building every day after work, which provides me with endless amount of entertainment. Call me crazy, but I think he spends the entire day inventing new lines for the ladies who pass by his building. After discovering the similarities in our names, he has become even, err, friendlier.

Julio: Hola linda.
Julie: Hola Julio, como le va . . .
Julio: Did you get that little piece of paper?
Julie: Huh? What piece of paper?
Julio: The one they use to wrap you in because, baby,
you look just like a bon-bon. (like candy, get it?)
(cue uncontrollable chuckles on his part)

Really, it's sweet. Points for the creativity.

Besos!

Julie